Products with radio or wireless functionalities, such as wireless terminals, imported or manufactured in India must obtain ETA registration from the WPC authority. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT)'s Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC), home of the National Radio Regulatory Authority, is responsible for licensing, regulating the frequency spectrum, and meeting the needs of all wireless users. WPC office issues WPC ETA license for IT and electronic goods, such as Wi-Fi routers, laptops, smartwatches, and wireless terminals. Check the Whole Product List to Ensure WPC ETA Acceptance.
Wireless terminals that do not adhere to human safety regulations, operate on unlicensed frequency bands, and have received WPC approval are not permitted for sale in India. For wireless terminals to receive Equipment Type Approval, an RF (Radio Frequency) test report from an Indian lab accredited by NABL or an approved international lab by ILAC is needed for WPC Registration.
We help our clients test their equipment and obtain test reports in the right format so they may send them to WPC India.
What is WPC ETA Certification
Established in 1952, the national broadcasting agency known as WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) is a division of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and is currently run by Saral Sanchar Online Portal.
Products with radio and/or wireless capabilities that are imported, produced, and sold in India must receive an ETA certificate from the Indian government's Ministry of Communications' Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC India) division. This covers devices that have radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth, wireless local area network access technology (Wi-Fi), small digital radios (Zigbee), and many more features.
Anyone wishing to conduct business in India with wireless devices must have a WPC accreditation. The Wireless Planning & Coordination wing in India must provide WPC licenses ( ETA certificates) to manufacturers and importers of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capable equipment.
Types of WPC Approval/ WPC Certification
Wireless Planning and Coordination certification (WPC certification) is of 3 types which are as follows:
Non - Network Licence
- Import Licence
- Dealer Possession Licence
- Non-dealer Possession Licence
Network Licence
- Internet Service Provider Licence (ISP)
- Experimental Licence
Equipment type Approval (ETA)
Non - Network Licence
Wireless goods and cable TV distributors are examples of non-network service providers who are granted this license. It takes this license to import, buy, and sell particular wireless equipment. You will only be granted a non-network license by the WPC if you are an incorporated company entity and have the right personnel for your operation or equipment. There are three varieties.
- Import License: To export wireless products to India, an import license is required. Permission to sell wireless items in Indian Territory is granted to the license holder.
- Dealer Possession License: An individual or organization who distributes and dealers wireless items is granted a Dealer Possession License by WPC.
- Non-dealer Possession Licence: An individual or organization that does not deal with wireless devices and does not own a license from WPC is granted a non-Dealer Possession License by WPC.
Network Licence
A corporation seeking to provide communication services, such as cable, DTH, and mobile networks, over the nation's restricted radio frequency capacity must get a network license.
- Internet Service Provider Licence (ISP): The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) must grant ISP licenses to any entity that wishes to offer internet services.
- Experimental License: The WPC Department must grant an experimental license to any group or individual wishing to carry out studies or investigations involving wireless devices.When importing a product from another country, we should always consider this question. Which compliances are necessary for my product? Make sure the equipment has a WPC ETA Certificate, especially if it is an RF ID or Bluetooth device. Let's now get into more detail about what a WPC ETA Certificate is:.
A WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is required prior to the importation of any wireless device operating in the delicensed frequency spectrum into India. Every product made in India must also have a WPC ETA certificate. Bluetooth devices, cell phones, Wi-Fi technologies, RFID, and other devices are examples of this type of equipment. - When the product is manufactured in India and RF module(s) having ETA is/are fitted in it without any modification/alteration, then no separate WPC ETA approval is required for such a finished product. However, if products are manufactured outside India, a WPC ETA certificate is required for each product before its import. If RF modules are separate, ETA shall apply to the RF module.
- WPC ETA certificate can be obtained through self-declaration for wireless products which comply with the following conditions:
- Product exempted from import licensing requirement as per EXIM policy of DGFT
- Working in the de-licensed frequency band.
For example:- Mobile handsets, Smartphone, Electronic notepads, Laptops, Smartwatches, SRDs including accessories, microphones, headphones, speakers, earphones, printers, scanners, mouse, keyboard, TV, camera, etc. For the product which does not fall under the above Category, WPC ETA certificate can be obtained by applying online through the routine procedure to concerned RLOs e.g., Drones and a special camera.
WPC Import License: Except for the transmitting receiver and TVRO system, all equipment imports require a WPC license. Equipment still has to get an import license if it is intended for import into India even after receiving a WPC ETA approval.
For de-licensed frequency band devices, WPC INDIA must receive a thorough test report of the equipment from an accredited laboratory for assessment in order to issue a WPC ETA certificate. Our clients receive assistance from us in testing their equipment and receiving the test result in the appropriate format for submission to WPC India.
Basic Requirement for WPC ETA Approval And Import Licence:
The basic requirements for WPC ETA approval are as follows:-
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For foreign manufacturers: An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) must be appointed by any foreign manufacturer that does not have a liaison office or branch office in India.
- The manufacturer will become the AIR if they have a liaison office or branch office in India.
- A foreign producer must designate AIR for an import license; this should be the same AIR as in the WPC ETA application.
- Regarding domestic manufacturers: Without AIR nomination, the domestic manufacturer may apply directly for WPC import license and WPC ETA license.
Documents Required for WPC Licence/ ETA Certificate
The following documents are required for WPC ETA approval:
- Copy of company registration
- Copy of company GST registration
- ID and address proof of authorized person
- Radiofrequency test report from IS0 17025 accredited foreign lab or any NABL accredited Indian Lab
- Letter of Authorization
- Product technical details
- IEC in case of import
- A Purchase order in case of import
- Receipt of online fee
- Test report (CE/RoHS/ASTM/EN)
What is RF (Radio Frequency) Test Report, and How to Get RF Test Report for WPC (ETA) Certificate?
As we all know, in order to analyze any material or product, we have to travel to the laboratories in order to obtain the detailed reports and characteristics of it. Therefore, it is really encouraging to see that the regulatory compliance authorities in India and WPC are closely monitoring every detail while rewarding and granting any license. The RF report serves this purpose in the context of WPC ETA license.
Radio frequency testing is a technique used to verify that radio communications are efficiently using the spectrum by monitoring their frequency. Efficiency in this sense refers to the absence of interfering radio signals within the airspace.
The majority of broadcast types are covered by radio-frequency testing, including cellular devices, PMR radios, Wi-Fi, and many more. It is necessary to adhere to frequency standards required by law in most areas.
An RF testing report from an Indian lab accredited by NABL or an approved international lab by ILAC is required for equipment operating in de-licensed frequency bands in order to receive Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from WPC Registration.
To import or sell their products in India, manufacturers and importers must obtain ETA permission by having their products tested in a lab authorized by NABL or ILAC. The test report(s) of every RF module, without any alterations, will be uploaded for WPC ETA approval if the imported product has more than one RF module.
For delicensed frequency band devices, WPC ETA Approval requires submission of a comprehensive test report of the equipment from an accredited laboratory for review.
We help our clients test their equipment and gather test data in the appropriate manner so that they can be sent to WPC.
Process Of WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) Certification
- Verifying the EN Standard and the frequency range in the product's RF-Test report is the first step in the WPC ETA certification process. A self-declaration certificate is granted in the event that the frequency range is within the required devices that operate under a DE license.
- Preparing papers: All of the aforementioned papers are gathered in accordance with the frequency range that was confirmed in the RF-Report.
- Online portal creation: To obtain login credentials, the WPC online application needs to be completed on the Saral Sanchar site.
- Online Government Fee Payment: All government fees must be paid online.
- Online/Offline Document Submission: In order to be eligible for a certain kind of license, an applicant must submit all necessary paperwork to the WPC authority online or offline.
- Document Verification: The RF test report and supporting documentation will be checked by WPC personnel. WPC officials may ask for the missing document or any further information, if necessary, for clarity if the documents that were provided are out of order.
- Grant of WPC ETA Certificate: An equipment type approval certificate, or WPC certificate, will be given if WPC officials are pleased with the product's documentation and test results.
How To Get WPC ETA Approval in India?
When it comes to Equipment Type Approval (ETA), we SKMC Global play a vital role in helping producers, importers, or distributors get the licenses required to lawfully sell and promote their equipment in particular areas or nations. We as a service provider shall at all the outset help your company in regulatory procedure that guarantees products, especially those associated with radio, electrical, and telecommunications equipment, fulfill the technical and safety requirements set forth by the applicable regulatory bodies. In this procedure, service providers' roles include the following:
Regulatory Consultation and Guidance:
As a service provider, we provide professional advice on the regulatory standards that the equipment must fulfill in order to be approved. We also comprehend the particular standards, certifications, and testing processes required in order for their product to abide by local laws. In addition, we assist with pre-compliance testing. In order to find any potential problems that would hinder approval, this entails testing the equipment either internally or through authorized labs. This stage assists producers in making the required changes to their goods prior to formal testing. Additionally, we work with recognized laboratories to provide equipment testing that is required. As mandated by the regulations, they make sure the equipment passes the mandatory testing for radiofrequency (RF) emissions, safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and other pertinent factors. In order to verify that the product satisfies regulatory standards, we also help obtain the official certification mark or label. The product cannot be sold in the market unless this label is attached to it.
Document Preparation and Submission:
Your business will receive assistance from our team of experts in preparing and submitting the necessary documents, including as user manuals, compliance declarations, test results, and technical specifications. They guarantee that the documentation satisfies the regulatory authority's criteria and is accurate and full.
Intermediaries
We handle all correspondence, submit applications, and monitor the progress of the approval process, serving as a go-between for the applicant and the regulatory agencies that provide Equipment Type Approval.
Compliance Audits:
To ensure that the manufacturing procedures and finished goods meet the necessary requirements at every stage of the production cycle, we also carry out compliance audits. By doing this, continuous compliance is guaranteed even after the first type approval has been given.
Monitoring and Updates:
We assist the makers in remaining compliant by keeping an eye on regulatory updates and modifications once type clearance has been obtained. They update clients on any new regulations, standards, or renewal requirements that may have an impact on the equipment they have been permitted to use.
Post-Approval Support:
As service providers, we provide support in the event of regulatory audits or market surveillance by supplying the required paperwork, elucidations, or help in addressing any questions that may come up with reference to the permitted equipment.
Global Market Access:
We provide global market access services to manufacturers who want to sell their equipment in several nations. They guarantee that the equipment conforms with several international standards by assisting in navigating the challenging licensing procedures in various locations.
To put it briefly, we assist the company in Equipment Type Approval by acting as guides, assisting manufacturers in navigating the intricate regulatory environment. By using the service, we will save money and time by ensuring that the items fulfill the requirements, pass the relevant tests, and receive the certifications required to lawfully access the market.